Tiny Soapstone Dog

From the heart of Western Kenya comes a charming little companion that won't bark or shed! Meet our soapstone dogs: intricately hand-carved, bursting with lively colors, and exuding a charisma that's hard to resist. While they might not wag their tails or fetch your morning paper, these petite pups are guaranteed to be an adorable and low-maintenance addition to your space. Each dog showcases its own unique hue due to the natural variations of soapstone, making every piece a one-of-a-kind treasure. Let them nestle on your desk, bookshelf, or bedside table, and experience the joy of having these endearing figurines brighten your day.

• Measures approximately 2 inches tall.

• Colors will vary based on availability. Photos represent a variety of colors that may be included. 
• Chocking hazard. Small parts. - May not be suitable for children under 3 years old or pets. 

Care Instructions

Mix mild detergent with water and wipe with soft cloth.

Meet the Artisan

Smolart

The artists of SMOLArt, a group of artists who live in the rural village of Tabaka, Kenya, the heart of soapstone crafts. The name, a shortened version of Small, Medium, and Large Artists, refers to the size of the soapstone products the artisans make, not their stature. Established in 1990, SMOLArt is a member of the WFTO, and as such assures that the artisans are paid a fair price for their work. In addition, the organization support community development by contributing to projects that improve living conditions, education, and health of their members and the village at large.
Soapstone is mined from great pits in the area surrounding Kiisi, Kenya. The mined soapstone is then delivered to carvers who carve sculptures from the natural stone for the wholesale market, the color of which ranges from cream, to pink, to brown, to yellow, to black, to a marbling of all of them. Once carved, the craftspeople smooth rough edges of the soapstone with sandpaper dipped in water and polish the piece to a high gloss or paint African motifs in brilliant colors with etched accents.
All of the soapstone products we sell are completely handmade. The tools consist of household items from screwdrivers, hand drills, to switchblades. "Pangas," sword-like tools usually used for cutting down vegetation, are used to cleave the stone in the mines.